Artistic Edge Digital Cutter : cutting for crystal/rhinestone application

One of the techniques included in both of our Artistic softwares:  SimpleCut and Artistic Digitizer, is ‘Crystals’. This function allows rhinestones to be added to an entire design or to just some parts of the design. The Artistic Edge Digital cutter cuts the crystal template out of a pre-glued/adhesive flock material. This template is then used to add rhinestones or crystals to the holes in the template. Next, with the help of the sticky transfer paper, these stones are transferred to the fabric (or other surface on which you require crystals). Lastly, the crystals are set in place with the heat of an iron or a heat press. 

The red circles indicates the techniques which need to be selected for Crystals function:Techniques > Cut and Crystals 

The procedure is: right click >automatic border > when ​​’remove holes’ is not checked, the software places rhinestones on all the lines as in this photo below.

Right click >automatic border > when ​​’remove holes’ is checked, the software places rhinestones only on the outer border as in this photo below.

Here is one of the template materials required for cutting the template for rhinestones. This is the aqua vinyl medium but there is also a black flock as an alternative. A very rigid cardboard is also required to glue the template onto and thridly, a sticky transfer film is needed to lift the rhinestones out of the template to move them to where you wish to heat set them. 

Template material which has been cut leaving holes for the crystals.

Crystals adhered to the transfer tape and ready to adhere to the project

Here is a close-up of an embroidery with crystals that have been applied using this technique –  the EASY Artistic crystals way

Visit your local authorized Janome Canada dealer to find out how you can purchase one of the remaining Artistic Edge 12 Digital cutters. 

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Registrations for the Artistic Edge cutter virtual class coming up in February have closed and the class is fully booked. If you have not already confirmed your registration with one of our participating Janome Canada dealers, please note that there is no more space in this class. May we suggest you ask one of the participating dealers to put your name on a waiting list in case we offer the class again.  A list of participating dealers may be found here. 

Janome HQ’s Instagram LIVE TODAY, WEDNESDAY 1pm EST

Join us LIVE at 1pm EST @janomehq Instagram page every Wednesday for Janome HQ’s NEW series “Janome’s Magical Machine Mystery Tour” as we highlight a different machine in the Janome line. From entry level to Top of the Line; embroidery machines; longarm quilting machines; sergers and MORE!

What machine and Janome goodies will we talk about this week? It’s a MYSTERY so you must tune in each week for the big reveal! Don’t worry if you can’t make the LIVE presentation, though. They’ll be stored in the IGTV icon on the Janome HQ Instagram Page and later posted as videos on the Janome HQ You Tube channel.

Follow us on the Janome HQ Facebook page and write me at Classes@Janome-Canada.com (copy and paste in a new browser) for more information about upcoming on-line classes and (eventually) on site classes at The Janome Sewing and Learning Centre in Oakville, ON; Janome Canada’s Head Quarters.

Happy Sewing and #sharethejanomelove!

Easy Winter Sewing with Jalie and Janome

PJs are a super popular option when it comes to sewing for kids and adults for the cold season. The Jeanne knit PJ pattern is very easy to sew and its fit makes it a great choice for sleepwear or thermal layer.

There are many amazingly cute cotton jersey prints available. This one is from Bibs and Boots Fabrics. It has the perfect weight and stretch for the project. For the cuffs and neck band, we are using 1×1 rib knit.

The pattern used is the JEANNE knit PJ set, which includes sizes for kids, adults and plus sizes, all in the same envelope!

Pieces for the PJ Top

Pieces for the PJ bottoms

Assembling the top

One of the great things about this project is how quick it is to sew up. We assemble everything with our beloved AT2000D Air thread serger:

We marked the center (fold) of our sleeves to make it easy to attach to the armhole without fuss. Once the shoulders are sewn and the sleeves attached, it is time to sew the side and underarm seams:

A fun and easy way to attach cuffs

After the top of the PJ is assembled, all you need to do is to add the cuffs. We always prefer sewing all cuffs (wrists and ankles) at the same time. This way, there is less thread changing involved and we save some time.

Fold your pieces in half, right sides together, ends together. Fold top end back by 6 mm (1/4”).

Topstitch along the fold (about 1/8” – 3 mm) from top to bottom edge using a straight stitch (no need to stretch the fabric). We used the Janome Mc6700P for these steps.

It might look awkward but, trust us, if you don’t like fiddling with layers – especially with tiny cuffs in kids sizes – you will really enjoy using this method.

Fold the band in half (bottom edge with top edge), right sides together and stitch as close to the first stitch as possible.

This step holds the cuff in its final shape, all layers together, seams perfectly aligned and straight:

No need to baste the raw edges, no layer sliding, they will stay like this when you attach them to the openings.

Pin cuffs to openings, matching seams (for the wrist, align the cuff seam with the underarm seam, for the pants, align with the inseam).

For the neck band, sew the ends right sides together and press the seam allowance open before folding it wrong sides together. Mark quarters and pin to the right side of the neckline:

Sew with the Janome serger (you can baste first with a zigzag if desired), stretching the band – not the neckline – to fit the opening.

Bring the seam allowance towards the bottom and topstitch 3 mm (1/8”) from edge.

Fold the top hem to the wrong side and topstitch with a zigzag.

PJ Bottoms

Assemble the pants with your Janome serger too.

Start with the sides, matching notches. We include notches in all our patterns to help with assembly.

Next, sew the back and front crotches, right sides together.

Bring the inseam right sides together, matching your crotch seams and stitch from one ankle to the other.

You may want to reinforce the seam where the inseam and crotches meet.

Overlap your elastic ends and stitch together.

Divide elastic and waist opening in four equal sections and pin the elastic to the wrong side of the waist opening, matching the pins. Stitch along the top edge with a zigzag, stretching the elastic – not the fabric – to fit the opening.

Fold the sewn elastic to the wrong side of the pants and topstitch with a zigzag. We like to add a folded ribbon to indicate where the back is. Sew the ankle cuffs to the pants, aligning the cuff seam with the inseam.

You’re done! We hope you enjoyed this tutorial and that you will have fun making PJs for you and your loved ones.

USEFUL LINKS

– Jalie JEANNE knit PJ pattern
– Janome AT2000D Air thread serger
– Janome Memory Craft 6700P
– Jersey knit from Bibs and Boots

LET’S EXPLORE MACHINE EMBROIDERY

 

So it seems I dropped the ball on the Janome Life post earlier today. My apologies …it seems I did not give enough information if the dozens of queries today are anything to go by?! So let’s try and fix that and give you more information about our upcoming virtual  Machine embroidery classes. I updated the post earlier today with some information but here is more:

• The Janome Canada Education Department is not registering people for these virtual classes. These virtual classes are being offered through our participating Janome Canada dealers. You need to contact one of these dealers to register for the class. At this time, these dealers  below are the ones who are participating and are  therefore equipped to register you for either one of the 2 Embroidery classes.

1. Triangle Sewing Centre in Ontario  www.trianglesewing.com
2. Haus of Stitches, Saskatchewan  Tel: 306-682-0772  haus.stitches@sasktel.net
3. Ultimate Sewing, Ontario  Tel: 905-436-9193  ultimatesewing@bellnet.ca
4. Taylor Sewing, Ontario  Tel: 613-342-3153    paige@taylorsewing.com
5. Tom’s Sewing Machines, BC  Tel 604- 507-2841    info@klssewing.com
6. Threads that Bind, Ontario Tel: 519-922-1010 or  info@threadsthatbind.ca
7. Niagara Sewing Center, Ontario Tel:905-358-5710  info@niagarasewing.com
8. Sewing World, Alberta Tel: 403- 259-4075 www.sewingworld.ca
9. KW Sewing, Ontario Tel:519-884-6981  kwsewingmachines@gmail.com

• The dealer you contact will tell you the cost of the class. You can call, email or look at their websites. We do not quote pricing as we are not selling the class to you – our dealers are doing that.
• There are 2 classes on offer: one in the eastern time zone and one in the Pacific time zone – see below at the end of this post for dates and times.
• The class is a 5 hour class with lecture/demo about embroidery  (see below) and plenty time for you to create 4 separate in-the-hoop embroidery projects.

ESSENTIAL HOOP RE18 FOR JANOME MC15000

• Once you have registered, the dealer will email you a bundle of information: the class information (including the log on code); a Wish list; a supply list with instructions of what you need to gather together and prep before the class; and the 5 embroidery designs to load onto your USB stick for the class (these will be supplied in .jef format).

• You may use any of our Janome embroidery machines PROVIDED your machine has a minimum hoop size of 5×7 inches and has a USB port for transferring designs to the machine.  Janome models that will work for this class are: MC15000, MC12000; MC550E; MC500E; MC450E/400E; MC9900; Skyline S9; MC9850; MC350E. Janome machines that do not have a USB port or use the older technology of PC or memory cards cannot be used in this class.
• The lecture demo part of the class will cover topics like: needles to use for embroidery; threads; yellow dot bobbin case and bobbin thread; stabilizers – what one to use when and how to hoop correctly; how to transfer designs from your computer to your embroidery machine; what do I do with all the icons on the embroidery machine screen; basting in the hoop; customizing a design; adding lettering on the Edit screen ; and a lot more!

• Notes will be provided  as well a link to a video recorded during the class. This will be sent to you after the class by the dealer with whom you registered for the class.

 

 

• We will provide you with 5 embroidery designs with the compliments of the Janome Canada Education team: 4 will be for projects we will do during the class: embroidery on a t-shirt; an in-the-hoop zipper baggie (perfect for a USB stick, lip balm or a small bottle of hand sanitizer); an in-the-hoop mug rug and last, but not least, learn how to do piecing in the hoop – YES, no need for paper foundation piecing or your 1/4 inch quilting foot !-  Rather use our design digitized by our talented Janome Canada educator, Erin ( who teaches our virtual Artistic Digitizer classes)  to piece a cute 1/4 block with precision and speed. Make 4 and you have a block to use for a pillow or tote or whatever you fancy.

• The 5th design is a bonus design (full instructions have already been published on Janome life about how to digitize and stitch this eye mask)

• We use the GotoMeeting platform for the virtual class.
• This Let’s Explore Embroidery class will be taught by me (Liz Thompson – National Education Manager, Janome & Elna Canada)  and I will be available throughout the 5 hour class to answer questions and do impromptu demos where necessary.
• We are offering 2 separate Saturday “mini” embroidery retreat classes: one will be on Saturday 30th January at 10am – 3pm EASTERN. This same class will be repeated on Saturday 6th February at 10am – 3pm PACIFIC. Pick the time zone which best suits you and register with any of the dealers on the list above.

But we would suggest you HURRY to register as the classes are filling up fast and we will be closing registrations soon when the classes are full. 

 

What can you do with an Embroidery Machine? Plus info about our virtual embroidery class coming up soon.

The Janome 550e Embroidery machine is a wonderful machine. Great for embroidering all your favourite designs, making embroidery designs, in- the- hoop projects, quilt labels, adding embroidered monograms, and personalizing a wide array of gifts. 

I have 4 beautiful little girls in my world. I wanted to make them something personalized for Christmas, but what to make? Little girls, as well as big girls, like purses. Great for carrying your prize possessions. This is what I made for them.

If you would like to learn more about what a Janome Embroidery machine can do, you are invited to attend our virtual Saturday Embroidery retreat, “Let’s Explore Embroidery“. This learning opportunity is being offered by Janome Canada Educators only through participating Janome Canada dealers. There are 2 dates to choose from : Saturday 30th January 10am – 3pm EASTERN and Saturday 6th February 10am – 3pm PACIFIC. This virtual class is aimed at beginner to intermediate machine embroiderers and those who want to find out more about what their embroidery machine does. There will be a lecture/demo presentation to start with about how to hoop correctly, needles, threads, how to transfer designs to your machine and how to open them up on the machine screen, what are all the machine icons for, and more. We will then make 4 delightful in-the-hoop embroidery projects with assistance from our educators during this virtual class. The embroidery designs and a supply list is provided to registered attendees at these classes. Any Janome embroidery machine with a minimum 5×7 inch hoop size and a USB port to transfer designs is required for this class.  If you are interested, send a message in the comment box below and we will let you know which of our Janome Canada dealers are participating so that you can register. But do hurry as both classes are filling up fast and registration will close soon. 

Here are some pics to whet your appetite – projects we will be embroidering – Would you like join us for some creative embroidery fun and learning??  

*** Please note that we are not taking registrations for this class on this blog nor direct with Janome Canada. These are Virtual classes through our dealers and so you will need to contact your local participating dealer to register for these virtual classes.  If your dealer is not  participating, the dealers listed below are and will be happy to take your registration – many of them are accepting online registrations and payment for the classes. More Janome Canada dealers may participate but at the time of going to press, this was the list of participating dealers for this upcoming class. But hurry – the 2 Let’s Explore embroidery classes are filling up fast! 

1. Triangle Sewing Centre, Ontario offers an online booking system. www.trianglesewing.com
2. Haus of Stitches, Saskatchewan  Tel: 306-682-0772  haus.stitches@sasktel.net
3. Ultimate Sewing, Ontario  Tel: 905-436-9193  ultimatesewing@bellnet.ca
4. Taylor Sewing, Ontario  Tel: 613-342-3153    paige@taylorsewing.com
5. Tom’s Sewing Machines, BC  Tel 604- 507-2841    info@klssewing.com
6. Threads that Bind, Ontario Tel: 519-922-1010 or  info@threadsthatbind.ca
7. Niagara Sewing Center, Ontario Tel:905-358-5710  info@niagarasewing.com
8. Sewing World,  Alberta Tel: 403- 259-4075 www.sewingworld.ca
9. KW Sewing, Ontario Tel:519-884-6981  kwsewingmachines@gmail.com

Happy Embroidering! 

Saturday Sewing: Another charity sewing project? Recycle your fabric trimmings?

We shared with you recently about the little in-the-hoop baggies what we made and delivered to various charities just before Christmas. Here is another recycling idea from Anne Stitcher  that yields very useful pillows for people in need and also keeps textiles out of the landfill! Ed. 

When I trim a quilt or project and I have those trimmings left on the cutting table, I hate throwing them into the garbage. I’m sure I could fill a garbage truck in a year and I don’t like that.

 I like to recycle or find a second chance home for things, but with fabric scraps that are too small to make into something…what do you do?

The Guild that I am a member with had a solution to my problem.

We make them into pillows. Our local mission helps the homeless people in our community. They give them the pillows.

People make them different sizes, but the largest we accept is 18 inches by 18 inches. They are made from Artic Fleece, cotton, flannel; any fabric is acceptable. It is a great way to use that fabric that isn’t in style anymore or the fabric that you purchased and then said, “What was I thinking when I bought that?”

When we go to retreats, I create an 18 by 18 inch pillow leaving the top open and clip this to the side of the table so people just slide the scraps right in. Usually we fill at least 3 pillows per retreat.

This is a great way to recycle, not fill the landfill, and help people in your community. Contact your local mission or shelter to see if they are accepting items like this. 

Happy Sewing.

Artistic Edge Digital Cutter: Cutting applique fabric and Online Edge Cutter classes.

In the previous post about the Artistic Edge cutter , we cut some card stock to make a card. Today we are cutting fabric to use for an applique. In the following example, I have chosen a snowflake drawn by  Tania at our Janome Canada office. 

Since the Artistic Edge Digital cutter also cuts fabric, the aim of this exercise is to understand how to prepare fabric for an appliqué. Use Terial Magic to stiffen the fabric. Also iron fusible web onto the back of the fabric. Later after the applique shape has been cut using the Edge cutter, the paper is removed from the back of the applique and the fusible film remains on the fabric. Position the appliqué, right side up, on the area of ​​the fabric surface that will receive the appliqué; we iron for a few seconds so that the glue can adhere firmly to the fabric. There you go … the applique is in place.

You can use the SimpleCut software that comes included with the purchase of the Edge Digital cutter. You can also use the Artistic Digitizer software for this exercise. Both softwares provide this same function.

When I don’t check the box circled in red, I only cut out the outline of the pattern:

When I check the box circled in red, I cut out the outline of the pattern as well as the holes:

In the next photo, you will see two different cuts.  In addition, I kept the frame of the cutout, because it can be used either to make a reverse appliqué or to be heat-sealed on a card or a gift.

And why not superimpose one pattern on the other, the one without a holes below, and the one with holes on the top. Here is the final product:

Visit your local authorized Janome Canada dealer to find out how you can purchase one of the remaining Artistic Edge 12 Digital cutters. 

And check out this link to an earlier post where we explained how you could register for Artistic Edge cutter virtual classes with Janome Canada dealers which are coming up in early February.  
UPDATE: this class is almost fully booked and registrations close today.  You may ask a participating Janome Canada dealer to put your name on a waiting list in case we offer this class again. 

 

 

Janome HQ’s Instagram LIVE TODAY, WEDNESDAY 1pm EST

Join us LIVE at 1pm EST @janomehq Instagram page every Wednesday for Janome HQ’s NEW series “Janome’s Magical Machine Mystery Tour” as we highlight a different machine in the Janome line. From entry level to Top of the Line; embroidery machines; longarm quilting machines; sergers and MORE!

What machine and Janome goodies will we talk about this week? It’s a MYSTERY so you must tune in each week for the big reveal! Don’t worry if you can’t make the LIVE presentation, though. They’ll be stored in the IGTV icon on the Janome HQ Instagram Page and later posted as videos on the Janome HQ You Tube channel.

Follow us on the Janome HQ Facebook page and write me at Classes@Janome-Canada.com (copy and paste in a new browser) for more information about upcoming on-line classes and (eventually) on site classes at The Janome Sewing and Learning Centre in Oakville, ON; Janome Canada’s Head Quarters.

Happy Sewing and #sharethejanomelove!

Last chance to register for The Virtual Homemade event

We told you about the Virtual Homemade event in a few recent Janome  Life posts as well as on our Janome Canada Instagram and Facebook pages ……the exciting opportunity for a weekend of virtual creativity and learning with Jennifer Tryon in March.  Janome is sponsoring the event and several Janome educators, artisans and makers are going to be teaching and visiting with attendees at this virtual event.
But you will need to hurry as registration closes soon. Find out more here.

Artistic Edge Digital Cutter: cutting cardstock and online Edge cutter classes

Many of you already own this Artistic Edge Digital Cutter –  There are two models: the 15” which is WiFi capable and the 12”. Both come with the same Simple Cut software that is very powerful. There is so much to mention that it will take more than one post. Stay tuned for more posts on the Artistic Edge Digital  cutter  coming over the next few weeks. There are limited stocks of the Artistic Edge 12 Digital cutter left in Canada. Ask your local Janome Canada dealer for more information. 

AND we have a 2 part virtual class on the Artistic Edge cutter and Simple cut software coming up in early February: 1st and 8th February at 1-3pm Eastern. If you would like to attend these classes ( you would need to attend both classes as we split the content into two x 2 hour classes), you are welcome to ask your local Janome Canada dealer if they are participating. If not, try any of the dealers on the list below as they are participating and I’m sure they will be happy to register you for this 2 part class. 

Please note that we are offering these classes because so many of you have asked us to do so. We strongly recommend that you register as soon as possible as we expect the class is going to fill up very quickly. Numbers are limited! 

1. Triangle Sewing Centre in Ontario offers online booking www.trianglesewing.com
2. Haus of Stitches, Saskatchewan  Tel: 306-682-0772  haus.stitches@sasktel.net
3. Ultimate Sewing, Ontario  Tel: 905-436-9193  ultimatesewing@bellnet.ca
4. Taylor Sewing, Ontario  Tel: 613-342-3153    www.taylorsewing.com
5. paige@taylorsewing.com 
6. Tom’s Sewing Machines, BC  Tel 604- 507-2841    info@klssewing.com
7. Threads that Bind, Ontario Tel: 519-922-1010 or  info@threadsthatbind.ca
8. Sewing World, Alberta   Online booking at www.sewingworld.ca
9. Linda’s Quilt Shoppe, Kelowna, BC  Tel: 250-491-9770  www.lindasquiltshoppe.com

Once you have registered for the class, your dealer will provide you with information about the class including the log on codes, supply list and information about what you need to have set up to maximize the learning opportunity of this class. It will be partly lecture/demo and partly hands-on learning. 

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For the past few years, we’ve been posting about the Edge Cutter, so may wish to use the search box to find many of the previous posts we have published. Here is another post with information about how to cut cardstock for a lovely winter greeting card.

To make a card, it’s best to find a design to practice with.  Several sites offer free templates and this project was downloaded from: Dreaming Tree, which offers a nice collection of free projects in addition to the more elaborate paid projects. Don’t forget to download the free app for your smart devices to receive the latest news and updates.

The procedure is very well explained and illustrated. Notice the intricacy and delicacy of each part cut from card stock of different thicknesses. The cutting mat does get scored over time but, despite this, it does a good job. 

The Janome Artistic Edge Digital Cutter offers several functions. In addition to cutting, it writes… yes, just replace the blade tool with a pencil of pen and it will write the text you composed. You can use any pencil, pen, felt-tip pen, calligraphy pen, coloring pencils, etc.